Toyota Camry and Vienta (1997-2002)

HISTORY
It is all too rare when a new model hits bullseye for its target buyers then continues the success in the used market. The new Toyota SXV20R Camry four and its MCV20R Camry V6 and Vienta V6 stablemates released in August 1997, almost alongside Holden's new VT Commodore, was the most successful car of this size and configuration at a global level during this period.

It won fans in even the most obscure markets. This proved to be a tremendous boost to Australian exports as the Australian manufactured version was engineered for more severe environments. It was welcomed wherever it was sent. Although criticized by local journalists for its whitegoods personality, it did its job efficiently with exceptional reliability.

The Australian version featured the 1780mm wide body, not the skinnier version sold in Japan. It was powered by the 5S FE 2.2-litre twin cam four cylinder that has been steadily refined from the first local Camry. It gained new ECU calibrations, a direct ignition system, a new inlet manifold, increased valve lift and sequential fuel injection for a big boost in low down torque. It transformed the cheapest Camry into an accessible and frugal family car and a popular long distance renter and fleet choice. Despite these credentials, it is still a full size smaller than a Falcon or Commodore and because it is a front drive model, it is not as suitable for heavy towing.

The line between the four-cylinder Camry and V6-engined Vienta ranges became further blurred with the arrival of the well-equipped and popular Camry Conquest V6. This effectively replaced the Vienta CSi which was dropped. The Vienta CS-X was renamed VXi as the whole Vienta range was shifted upmarket ready to be replaced by the full size Avalon. Only minor grille and body trim changes separated the Camry from Vienta in appearance.

The V6, as shared with the Lexus ES300, was heavily reworked for this series with all alloy construction that cut weight by 40kg. Although it delivered extra power and torque, it also cut fuel consumption. It gained an adaptive auto, also shared with Lexus. It delivered 141kW/279Nm compared to the four's 94kW/187Nm for a massive performance boost. There was little difference in fuel consumption and in some conditions where the V6 didn't have to work as hard, it was more frugal.

Despite some cost-cutting, the extensive improvements in structural refinement and aerodynamics brought this Camry closer to Lexus models. Most importantly, the generic styling restored driver vision lost in the previous model while maximising boot space. Because the slab-sided styling of the latest Camry can create serious vision problems for many drivers, good examples of this Camry series have an assured future as a used model.

A sleek new wagon followed in 1998, a welcome change from its ugly predecessor, as a Camry and Vienta. Its heavily sloping rear window pleased private buyers even if its intrusive rear strut towers and sleek roofline sent load-conscious fleet buyers elsewhere. It was exported to 27 markets from Australia when Japan was the only other source. This popular wagon, which still has a strong following, was dropped from the latest Camry range and required the Kluger, Avensis Verso people mover and Corolla wagon to replace it. None of these can match the Camry Wagon's unique blend of fuel economy, style, carrying capacity and refinement, especially with V6 performance. This gives this final Camry wagon an assured used niche.

The previous Vienta Touring, which had unique local sports suspension, reappeared as the Camry V6 Touring in March 1999. It could be ordered with a new GTP body kit, marking the V6 Camry's success in Australia's GTP showroom racing category. Its upgraded suspension, wheels and tyres left it with the feel of a quality European. The manual version was a satisfying performance model for long distance work but rare.

Last but not least, local Corolla production ended during this period. Toyota Australia was on a mission to convert every fleet Corolla sale over to a Camry. Before GST was introduced, some fleets could buy a Camry for less than a Corolla at just over $20,000 new. These early examples have since flooded the used market for around $17,000. As their second owners dispose of them, they drop ever closer to the $10,000 mark for the best budget family car buy on the market today.

MODEL HISTORY:

CHECK IT OUT

Drivetrain
No specific faults as yet showing up but some owners have learnt that Camrys will run 100,000 km without lifting the bonnet at which point they dispose of it without spending a cent on service. Do not buy one of these.Verify all service records independently of what you are being shown.

The 10,000 kilometre service intervals are too long for cold-running, short haul drivers but the damage to valve stem seals from contaminated oil doesn't show up until after 100,000 km when the engine starts using oil. There is also a tendency for Camry owners to delay servicing until 12-15,000 km. Replacing chewed-out valve stem seals in both Camry engines is neither simple nor cheap.

Both Camry engines require timing belt changes at the specified intervals. There are several expensive services including the replacement of the platinum-tipped plugs and the flushing and changing of all hydraulic fluids and coolant. Make sure they have been completed as required.

Ongoing coolant changes are critical with the high aluminium content of both engines and the difficulty in replacing a failed Camry water pump driven by the cam belt. On neglected or overheated cars, look for oil leaks, welch plug leaks and leaks or corrosion where the plastic radiator tanks join the core.

Transmissions are reliable but the auto needs a specialist service and check at least every two years if you expect it to last.

Body
Assembly was export quality with fully galvanized panels except for roof. Sound deadening panels were applied to most internal steel surfaces. Look for rust if these have been disturbed in a crash. Uneven shut lines between doors, bonnet, boot and other panels are an absolute guarantee in the Camry's case that something has happened to that car including the substitution of poor quality, replica panels.

Front overhang and turning circle which is even larger on V6 models means that nearly all examples have sustained damage on the corners so check the quality of repairs and look for unrepaired damage behind the front and rear bumper fascias. Also check front underbody for severe graunching. Front left wheels and wheelcovers seem prone to excessive kerb damage.

Look for cigarette burns in the trim and excessive body scuffing indicating careless fleet or rental usage. Has the car done too many flat-out rental trips to the Northern Territory? Like its Tarago stablemate, the Camry is a popular low cost trans-Australian tourist choice when it can be filled with five people and luggage on four-cylinder economy. Look for excessive red dust underneath and bashed underbody components as renters chase the ultimate outback experience. Dull paint and body trim exposes too many mechanical car washes.

Check for firm front and rear strut inserts as both cost more than a basic shock absorber to replace. Front tyres wear two to three times faster than rears leaving odd tyre combinations on those where rotation was overlooked.

Prices
The first 1997 Camry CSi 2.2 has now slipped under $10,000 with the V6 fetching $2-3,000 more. The very last base models will still fetch close to $20,000 so balance kilometres and condition to price anything in between. The final Camry Azura and earlier Vienta models are quite desirable and will span the $17-26,000 range. The pick of them all? The 2000-02 Touring Wagon for which you will need $20,000 plus if you can find one.